Space One: Robot rocket explodes seconds after launch

Video caption, Watch: Japan rocket explodes seconds after launch

A rocket made by a Japanese company burst into flames just five seconds after it was launched.

Space One is trying to become the first Japanese company to put a satellite in orbit.

No one was on board or hurt when the rocket, Kairos, exploded leaving a big cloud of smoke in the air.

Experts say they'll study what happened and have another try as soon as possible.

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, The explosion sent fiery debris into the air

This was Space One's first attempt at launching Kairos and it's pretty common for it to take a few tries before a rocket is launched smoothly.

Company president Masakazu Toyoda said: "We don't use the world 'failure', because each trial brings us ... new data and experience for another challenge."

The rocket itself is automated which means it can make some decisions for itself like self-destructing.

Space One said the rocket self-destructs when it detects errors in its flight path, or speed or control system issues that could cause a crash that could otherwise put people on the ground in danger.